I didn't make East Sandy Creek yet but it is on the radar! Instead I got together with Bill Hofman and a couple other paddlers and did the Big Neshannock. We paddled the gorge and continued into New Castle. The trip was not without incident as at the most critical moment in the most difficult rapid in the gorge one of the party had their breakdown paddle come apart. Needless to say this resulted in a swim. The problem now is to retrieve half a paddle, which I suspect is pinned on a rock underwater. I paddled the gorge 5 times Sunday but was unable to find it. I will wait a couple days and try again in low water. I got much better chances then because if it remains under water the water will be clear and it may be visible. On the other hand the change in current may dislodge the paddle and it most likely will find a strainer or Eddy out.
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